2023

• 7 апр 2023
  SRSG Bathily’s Opening Remarks at Benghazi Meeting with JMC and Military and Security Leaders

  Benghazi - 07 April 2023

  First, I would like to thank the 5+5 JMC and the leaders of the security...

• 6 апр 2023
  This Week in DPPA: 1 - 6 April 2023

  Afghanistan Secretary-General condemns Taliban’s decision to ban Afghan women from working with the United Nations The United Nations strongly condemned a Taliban decision banning Afghan women from working for the Organization. The Secretary-General stressed that the ban also violates Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights law, and infringes on the principle of non-discrimination, which is a core tenet underpinning the United Nations Charter. The Secretary-General emphasizes that female staff members are essential to the UN operations, including in the delivery of life-saving assistance, and that the enforcement of this decision will harm the Afghan people, millions of whom need assistance.  Lebanon Special Coordinator Wronecka discusses importance of presidential election Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka held meetings in Beirut this week to follow up on key constitutional milestones for Lebanon and political developments as well as the security situation in the country. In her separate meetings with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the Special Coordinator reiterated the importance of holding the election of a new President after five months of vacuum, the formation of a new government and the implementation of urgent reforms. She also discussed with the caretaker Minister of Finance, Ghazi Wazni, the urgent need to adopt the 2023 budget. She also welcomed the announcement for municipal elections in May. She hoped that all stakeholders will take the steps needed to ensure a smooth, inclusive and transparent electoral process and enable the Lebanese to exercise their political rights. Yemen UN envoy Grundberg calls for inclusive political process to end Yemen conflict On the one-year anniversary of the truce agreement on 2 April, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg called for an inclusive political process to comprehensively and sustainably end the conflict in Yemen. A Truce agreement is broadly holding even though it expired in October 2020, he wrote, but there are still significant risks. Grundberg has been engaging with the parties and other Yemeni actors, as well as regional and international stakeholders, to build consensus around launching an inclusive political process. Read the Special Envoy’s full message here Iraq DSRSG Cordone visits Kirkuk Governorate to discuss the participation of women and minorities in upcoming elections On a visit to Kirkuk Governorate on 4 April, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance Claudio Cordone held separate meetings with the Acting Governor, Rakan Al-Jouburi, Head of the Iraq Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) office, Loay Arkan Ali Rostem, representatives of Kirkuk's components and civil society. Discussions focused on the forthcoming Provincial Council’s elections including the participation of women and minorities as well as the overall situation in the governorate.  Libya Special Representative Bathily visits Sudan, Chad and Niger to discuss restoring peace and stability in Libya On 5 April, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily completed his first official visit to Sudan, Chad and Niger. During the visit, he discussed restoring peace and stability in Libya, including through the withdrawal of foreign fighters, foreign forces and mercenaries from the country. The visit was in support of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) Action Plan that established the Liaison Committees of Sudan, Chad and Niger and supported the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the UN and signed by Libyan parties in October 2020. Read more here West Africa and the Sahel UNOWAS commends Liberian political parties for pledging peaceful elections The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and Officer in Charge of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Giovanie Biha, has commended political parties in Liberia for signing the Revised Farmington River Declaration 2023, pledging their commitment to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in October 2023. DSRSG Biha visited Liberia to participate in the signing ceremony and discuss ways of reinforcing UN-Liberia partnership ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections. She met with President George Manneh Weah and other authorities, civil society organizations, and the UN Country Team to renew the UN's support for consolidating peace and democracy in Liberia. Read more here Haiti Newly appointed UN Special Representative for Haiti takes up her functions This week, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), María Isabel Salvador, took up her official functions. On 3 April, she met the Secretary-General and discussed support efforts for Haitians to restore democratically elected institutions. Policy and Mediation DPPA Policy and Mediation Division releases Arabic translation of its guidance on ceasefire mediation for conflict resolution This week, DPPA released the Arabic translation of its Guidance on the Mediation of Ceasefires. Drawing on the UN's decades of experience supporting ceasefires, the document provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of ceasefires, alongside illustrative examples from around the world. The Guidance offers a reference for stakeholders seeking a path out of conflict, including planning considerations for mediators and parties for ceasefire negotiations and the implementation of ceasefire agreements. It also offers innovative options to strengthen the inclusion and meaningful participation of women. Read more here   Access the report in Arabic here Security Council Security Council Affairs Division publishes monthly roundup  DPPA’s Security Council Affairs Division (SCAD) circulated its "United Nations Security Council in Review" for March 2023. The monthly newsletter offers an overview of the activity of the Security Council under the presidency of Mozambique, which included 28 formal meetings, 11 consultations, seven decisions, one press statement, and four Arria-formula meetings. Its signature events included a high-level open debate on Women, Peace and Security. Subscribe to receive updates in your inbox here Peacebuilding Commission Members of the Peacebuilding Commission attend a strategic capacity-building workshop on youth, peace and security On 4 April, DPPA and the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) organized the first ever expert-level strategic capacity-building workshop on youth, peace and security (YPS) for the members of the Peacebuilding Commission. The workshop provided a platform for participants to discuss ways to strengthen the role of the Commission in advancing the YPS agenda, with a focus on promoting full, effective and meaningful participation of youth and mainstreaming a youth perspective. The participants expressed their commitment to continuing to advance the agenda through the work of the Commission and strengthen the implementation of the Commission’s strategic action on youth and peacebuilding. Peacebuilding UN and World Bank review “Pathways for Peace” report legacy The UN and World Bank are coordinating a policy initiative to assess the legacy and relevance of the "Pathways for Peace" report, which was published five years ago. Two consultations took place this week, gathering reflections from academics, policy makers and practitioners. On 4 April, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) organized a consultation that brought together European researchers, practitioner and policymakers. On 6 April, UNDP hosted a consultation in the framework of the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding, which brought together Sierra Leone and Canada from the g7+ and INCAF constituencies, as well as the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS). The outcome of the consultations may serve as inputs to various processes, including the ongoing work on the Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace, deliberations of the Peacebuilding Commission and the mid-term review of the World Bank’s five-year Fragility, Conflict and Violence strategy.    Mine Action Head of UNMHA delivers message on International Day for Mine Awareness The head of the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA), Major General (retired) Michael Beary, delivered a special message to the people of Hudaydah and to Yemen on the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April. Beary reaffirmed UNMHA’s readiness to provide all necessary support, technical advice and coordination on mine removal in Hudaydah.  The Mission also released a video featuring Mine Action Advisor Leon Visagie Louw. Watch the videos here UNITAMS holds mine awareness event The UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) commemorated International Day for Mine Awareness on 5 April with an event in Khartoum with the National Mine Action Authority. As of April 2023, 2,572 people have fallen victim to landmines and other explosive remnants of war in Sudan. The Mission emphasized the urgency of clearing Sudanese land of all explosive hazards to enable the full recovery of concerned communities Read more here UN Office to the African Union participates in event on global efforts to achieve a mine-free world Ahead of the International Day for Mine Awareness, the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU) participated in an event held by the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council. In his remarks, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Parfait Onanga-Anyanga underscored the AU’s role in the fight to achieve a mine-free world. He further emphasized that the United Nations has been helping states to free themselves from the threat of mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices for more than 25 years. Read more here Next Week On Monday, the Security Council will hold an open debate on threats to international peace and security: Risks stemming from violations of the agreements regulating the export of weapons and military equipment. On Thursday, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu will brief the Council on the situation in Colombia.  Subscribe to This Week in DPPA here Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org

• 6 апр 2023
  Ahead of October Presidential And Parliamentary Elections In Liberia, DSRSG BIHA Commends the Political Parties for The Signing Of The Revised Farmington River Declaration

  The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Officer in Charge of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS),...

• 6 апр 2023
  In the Department of Guainía, Indigenous female leaders gathered to strengthen their skills to consolidate political participation
  In the Department of Guainía, Indigenous Female  Leaders gathered to strengthen their skills to consolidate political participation

  Female Indigenous leaders...

• 6 апр 2023
  Reflecting on genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Guterres urges all nations to stand firm against rising hate, intolerance

  As the world marks the grim anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, during which Hutu and others who opposed the massacre were also killed, the UN Secretary-General has said that a generation since those horrific events, “we must never forget what happened – and ensure future generations always remember.”

• 6 апр 2023
  Tensions mount in Middle East as UN reiterates need for ‘maximum restraint’

  The UN on Thursday condemned the multiple rockets fired into Israel from across its northern border with Lebanon, urging “all actors to exercise maximum restraint”, following several days of rising tension and violence, centred around Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque.

• 5 апр 2023
  [Virtual Exhibit] Stories of Survival and Remembrance: A Call to Action for Genocide Prevention

  Visit the virtual exhibition from 6 April - 15 June 2023 that reveals the lives of those impacted by war, trauma, displacement and exile through the Holocaust, genocide and...

• 5 апр 2023
  Press Communiqué of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussion, 5 April 2023

  The 57th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 4-5 April 2023 in two working groups meeting in parallel, in line with the Six-Point Agreement of 12 August 2008 and the Implementing Measures of 8 September 2008.

  The participants reviewed security and humanitarian developments since the previous GID round held in October 2022.

  Against the backdrop of the highly challenging geopolitical environment, the participants reiterated their commitment to the process and interest in ensuring continuity of the GID as the only platform where the conflict consequences are addressed. The Co-Chairs and participants underlined the key role played by the GID as a platform for predictability and dialogue, for the benefit of security and stability, as well as the well being of conflict-affected populations.

  Following intense exchanges on non-use of force and international security arrangements, the participants could not reach a common understanding on this core item on the agenda. Unfortunately, the issue of IDPs and refugees could not be fully covered either due a walkout by some participants.

  The Co-Chairs informed the participants about their intention to hold the next GID round in mid-July 2023, pending confirmation by all participants.

• 5 апр 2023
  NAPS_UNESCO
• 5 апр 2023
  UN protests order from Taliban de facto authorities prohibiting Afghan women from working with the United Nations in Afghanistan

  KABUL – The United Nations in Afghanistan condemns in the strongest terms a decision by the Taliban de facto...

• 5 апр 2023
  Secretary-General strongly condemns Taliban decision to ban Afghan women from working with UN in Afghanistan

  Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the Taliban’s decision to ban Afghan women from working with...

• 5 апр 2023
  SRSG Bathily visits Chad, Sudan and Niger to renew their shared commitment for the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya

  President of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, commended UN’s efforts to stabilize Libya at this critical time

  TRIPOLI, 05 ...

• 5 апр 2023
  Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in Jerusalem
  ...
• 5 апр 2023
  Israel-Palestine: UN calls for restraint following violence at Al-Aqsa mosque

  UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Wednesday appealed for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to exercise restraint following the latest violence surrounding a holy site in Jerusalem.  

• 5 апр 2023
  Guterres calls for world ‘united in peace’ as Ramadan, Easter, Passover coincide

  The UN chief has called for people of faith worldwide to “join their voices in a common prayer for peace”, as the holy festivals of Ramadan, Easter and Passover coincide this week.

• 4 апр 2023
  NAPS_OIF
• 4 апр 2023
  NAPS_UNDP
• 4 апр 2023
  Iraq: Rights experts call for new laws to end ‘waves of disappearance’

  It is estimated that up to one million people in Iraq have disappeared over the past five decades – a crisis that continues today, UN independent human rights experts said on Tuesday, calling for investigation and legislation to eradicate “this heinous crime.” 

• 4 апр 2023
  UNSMIL and UNMAS Statement on International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2023

  TRIPOLI - 04 April 2023 – On International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action today, the United Nations Support...

• 4 апр 2023
  On International Day for Mine Awareness, UN reaffirms commitment to a mine-free Somalia

  Mogadishu – Marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, the United Nations today reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to rid...

• 3 апр 2023
  UNOAU Supports AUC Workshop on the Re-conceptualization of the African Standby Force

  The AU Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) of the AUC held  a back-to-back-workshop on the re-conceptualization of the ASF Concept and Validation of...

• 3 апр 2023
  SRSG TO THE AU AND HEAD OF UNOAU MEETS AU CHAIRPERSON

  On 4 April, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the AU and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Ayanga met the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. They discussed the upcoming report of the...

• 3 апр 2023
  Statement of the UN Special Coordinator on the municipal elections in Lebanon

  The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, welcomes today’s announcement by Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Interior and Municipalities calling for municipal elections during 7 May through 28 May 2023. Conducting the municipal elections is important for adhering to Lebanon’s constitutional timelines and democratic practices, at a time when the country is already facing a presidential vacancy and widespread institutional paralysis.

  ...
• 3 апр 2023
  Child deaths hit ‘tragic milestone’ in Ukraine

  Child casualties in Ukraine have hit a “tragic milestone”, the head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Monday, as the UN human rights office (OHCHR) released its latest report on rising numbers of deaths and injuries in the country since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

• 3 апр 2023
  Impunity driving violence in South Sudan, UN rights commission says

  Tackling impunity will be critical to end pervasive violence and horrific human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan, a UN inquiry said on Monday, presenting its latest report, which names individuals warranting investigation. 

• 3 апр 2023
  New mechanism must track and tackle ‘gross’ violations in Libya

  New tools must be deployed to keep the global spotlight on ongoing gross violations and crimes against humanity in Libya and serve justice to its victims, the UN rights chief said on Monday at the Human Rights Council’s latest session.

• 3 апр 2023
  Mine Action Week: ‘Peace brings no assurance of safety’

  Global efforts are key to saving lives from the ‘terrifying legacy’ of unexploded ordnance, as it wreaks daily havoc in war-torn and post-conflict communities alike, UN officials said, as Mine Action Week kicked off on Monday.

• 2 апр 2023
  SRSG Onanga-Anyanga’s Statement to the AUPSC on Int'l Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action

  SRSG Onanga-Anyanga’s Statement to theAfrican Union Peace and Security Council Open Session “to Commemorate the International Day...

• 2 апр 2023
  UNOAU participates in the African Union Peace and Security Council commemoration for International Mine Awareness and Assistance to Mine Action Day

  On 03 April 2023, the AUPSC held its 1146th Meeting in commemoration of International Day on Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, focusing on...

• 2 апр 2023
  The deadly legacy of landmines

  More than two decades since the adoption of the landmark Mine Ban Treaty and the creation of the UN Mine Action Service, millions of landmines have been destroyed, but land in nearly 70 countries globally is still contaminated and innocent people continue to be killed or maimed.
  Marked annually on 4 April the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action draws awareness to why landmines are one of the most insidious and indiscriminate weapons of war.

• 2 апр 2023
  A year after the Truce Agreement: the way ahead

  @UN Photo/Loey Felipe

  By: The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg

   

  ...
• 1 апр 2023
  A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in March 2023
   

  Humanitarian | OCHA coordinates humanitarian response in Laascaanood...

• 31 мар 2023
  Decolonization Unit

  Josiane Ambiel, D-1 Chief France

   

   

• 31 мар 2023
  Division for Palestinian Rights
• 31 мар 2023
  Electoral Assistance Division

  Craig Jenness, D-2 Director Canada

  Simon-Pierre Nanitelamio, D-1 Deputy Director France

   

   

• 31 мар 2023
  Policy and Mediation Division

  Asif R. Khan, D-2 Director   Pakistan

  Alexandra Fong, D-1 Chief, Policy and Guidance   Austria

  Eiko Ikegaya, D-1 Chief, Mediation Support and Gender Peace and Security Japan

   

   

• 31 мар 2023
  Security Council Affairs Division

  Claudia Banz, D-2 Director Switzerland
  James Sutterlin, D-1 Chief Security Council Secretariat Branch   United States of America	Joanne Michi Ebata, D-1 Chief Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch Canada	Ahmed Ghanem-Ali, D-1 Chief Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch Egypt

   

   

• 31 мар 2023
  Office of the Director for Coordination and Shared Services

  Fatemeh Ziai, D-2 Director   United States of America	Xuejun Zhou, D-1 Executive Officer   China	George Khoury, D-1 Director UN Operations and Crisis Centre Palestine
  Barbara Nieuwenhuys, D-1 Director Digital Enablement Team Netherlands

   

• 31 мар 2023
  Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support

  Awa Dabo, D-2 Director and Deputy Head Peacebuilding Support Office The Gambia (African States)

  Olubakola Arowobusoye, D-1 Chief Peacebuilding Commission Support Branch Nigeria (African States)

  Roselyn Akombe, D-1 Chief Peacebuilding Strategy and Partnership Branch United States of America (Western European and other States)

  Brian James Williams, D-1 Chief Financing for Peacebuilding Branch United States of America (Western European and other States)

• 31 мар 2023
  Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific

  Divisions reporting to the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific
  Middle East Division
  Darko Mocibob, D-2 Director Croatia (Eastern European States)	Saskia Ramming, D-1 Deputy Director Germany (Western European and other States)	Niki Ganz, D-1 Deputy Director United States of America (Western European and other States)
  Asia and the Pacific Division
  Peter N. Due, D-2 Director Denmark (Western European and Others Group)	Ingrid Hayden, D-1 Deputy Director Australia (Western European and Others Group)

   

   

• 31 мар 2023
  Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas

  Divisions reporting to the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas
  Europe and Central Asia Division
  Kayoko Gotoh, D-2 Director Japan (Asia-Pacific States)	Charles Anyidoho, D-1 Deputy Director Ghana (African States)
  Americas Division
  Laura E. Flores, D-2 Director Panama (Latin American and Caribbean States)	Ignacio Saez-Benito, D-1 Deputy Director Spain (Western European and Others Group)

   

• 31 мар 2023
  This Week in DPPA: 25 - 31 March 2023

  This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.

  DPPA annual donor meeting shines spotlight on “booster effect” of Multi-Year Appeal On March 28, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) held its annual donor meeting with Member States at United Nations headquarters. In her introductory remarks, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized that the voluntary contributions made by Member States to the Multi-Year Appeal fund the Department’s vital work in many areas, including mediation processes; electoral support; women, peace and security; innovation, and climate security. It also allows DPPA “to act quickly and efficiently to help Member States respond to brewing tensions,” she said, while its Rapid Response window offers timely support to address sudden or escalating crises.  Security Council Secretary-General's envoy for Mozambique briefs Security Council in open debate on “Silencing the Guns” in Africa On 30 March, the Security Council held an open debate on Peace and Security in Africa, with a focus on the impact of development policies in implementing the “Silencing the Guns” initiative. Mirko Manzoni, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Mozambique, spoke about the success of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation between the Government of Mozambique and the Renamo group, highlighting the importance of national ownership, trust-building, flexibility, and a human-centered process. “Silencing the guns and embracing dialogue is becoming a Mozambican way of doing things, and this is essential for lasting peace,” he said. His full remarks here Peacebuilding Commission Mozambique The Peacebuilding Commission held its first meeting on Mozambique on 29 March to discuss the implementation of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation. The President of the Mozambique highlighted national ownership, mutual trust, and dialogue as key success factors in the peace process. The Personal Envoy for Mozambique stressed the importance of fostering trust to create a culture of dialogue between the parties. He also affirmed that Mozambique’s process has been unique in the continuity provided by the mediation process through to the implementation stages, with the same actors involved along the way. For Mirko Manzoni, “Mozambique’s case shows that a human centred process that keeps people at the heart of the process ultimately pays off in sustainable peace dividends”. The Commission commended the success of the Maputo Accord and welcomed the gender-sensitive approach adopted throughout the process, particularly in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration efforts. Member States, however, expressed concern about remaining peacebuilding challenges in the Cabo Delgado province and called for strengthened international support to counter violent extremism.   Liberia On 28 March, the Chair of the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, H.E. Ms. Anna Karin Eneström, visited Washington D.C to meet with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. They discussed support for peacebuilding in Liberia, including economic situation, peaceful elections, national reconciliation, and empowerment of women and youth. The importance of tailored approaches, structural reforms, diversification of revenues, addressing root causes of conflicts, enhancing resilience and building and sustaining peace was highlighted. The IMF and the World Bank representatives recognized the UN-IFI collaboration on the ground, such as through joint analysis.   Lebanon Special Coordinator for Lebanon discusses obstacles to reform with media and NGOs Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka held a roundtable exchange with senior media editors in Lebanon this week to discuss the current crisis and future prospects for the country. The discussions focused on rebuilding trust in state institutions and identifying obstacles to reforms. Wronecka also met with local NGO Save Lebanon to discuss the disruption of public services and resultant humanitarian needs. The meetings were part of Wronecka's ongoing consultations with stakeholders in Lebanon. Iraq DSRSG Cordone visits Diyala Governorate dsrsg_cordone_mtg_csp_reps_in_diyala_governorate_29_march.jpg On a visit to Baqubah, Diyala Governorate in Iraq on 29 March, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance, Claudio Cordone, held separate meetings with Governor Muthanna Al-Tamimi, Police Chief Major-General Alaa al Zubaidi, and the Operations Chief of Staff Brigadier-General Anwar al-Zuhairi.  DSRSG Cordone also met with civil society representatives. Discussions focused on security and public services in Diyala Governorate as well as the forthcoming provincial elections.   UNAMI Office of Electoral Assistance publishes new report on supporting elections in the age of misinformation and disinformation unami_oea_rpt_25_march.jpg Misinformation and disinformation can undermine public trust in elections and the electoral process, and can even influence the outcome of elections. It is thus important for electoral management bodies to timely act to combat misinformation and disinformation in order to protect the integrity of elections with proper strategies. A new report published by the UNAMI Office of Electoral Assistance (OEA) highlights support to the Iraq Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in combating misinformation and disinformation in the context of the 2021 Council of Representatives elections. The report aims to document the support of OEA to IHEC and provide insights that may be useful for other electoral management bodies facing similar challenges.    The report is available in English and Arabic.   Iraq’s accession to UN Water Convention opens new opportunities to strengthen transboundary water cooperation in the Middle East   iraq_accession_to_un_water_convention.jpg On 24 March, the Republic of Iraq made history as the first country in the Middle East to join the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (known as the UN Water Convention). It becomes the 49th Party to this unique international legal and intergovernmental framework,  which aims to ensure the sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating cooperation across borders. United Nations Deputy Special Representative for Iraq, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, emphasized that “Water must be shared at all levels: globally; regionally; between countries; and between men and women at the community level. It must be a source of cooperation rather than conflict. The Water Convention is an additional asset for Iraq to improve the management of its shared water resources for future prosperity, sustainable development and peace.”  Learn more here

  Great Lakes Special Envoy for Great Lakes region holds retreat to address challenges The Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes held a retreat from 19-21 March in Diani, Kenya, and discussed the deteriorating political and security situation in the region, the evolving role of the UN, and a changing donor funding landscape. It also explored innovative ways to address the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including by supporting the revitalization of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework and enhancing confidence-building measures through the Special Envoy’s good offices. The retreat resulted in a clearer understanding of the office's mandate, work values, and priorities. Read more here West Africa and the Sahel UNOWAS Acting Head visits Mauritania to discuss partnership and security The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and Acting Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Giovanie Biha, visited Mauritania from 27-29 March. The DSRSG met with various government officials and civil society organizations to discuss the partnership between Mauritania and the United Nations, the national and regional situation (including the upcoming elections), and support for the G5 Sahel to advance peace and development. On Sunday, she will travel to Monrovia, Liberia, to participate in the signing ceremony of the “Farmington River Declaration 2023,” a commitment by political candidates to ensure peaceful elections in October. Read more here Libya Libyan military leaders meet for first time in a decade On 26 March, the 5+5 Joint Military Committee met in Tripoli, Libya, with eastern, western and southern military and security commanders, under the auspices of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abdoulaye Bathily. This is the first such meeting inside Libya in a decade. The meeting was convened to follow up on the commitments made during a March meeting in Tunisia to discuss the creation of conducive conditions for upcoming elections later this year. Special Representative Bathily called on all leaders in the east, west and south to support peace consolidation in Libya.   Central Africa Special Representative Abarry visits Cameroon to discuss humanitarian situation, development, peace unoca.png Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Abdou Abarry visited Cameroon from 27 – 30 March. He met with the UN Resident Coordinator Matthias Z. Naab and the Country Team to stress the importance of “delivering as one” to support national efforts in humanitarian action, development, and peace. On 30 March, Abarry met with President Paul Biya to convey the UN’s appreciation for the country's contribution to peace and security, as well as its hosting of refugees. He also discussed the situation in the country with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute and Minister of External Relations Lejeune Mbella Mbella.   Central Asia UNRCCA holds online workshops for Central Asian states and Afghanistan The UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA) held four online workshops in March 2023, attended by 36 representatives from Central Asian states and Afghanistan. Topics covered in the workshops included multilateral cooperation and the Water, Peace and Security agenda. Participants also learned about the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, which aims to improve the lives of young people. The workshops included practical exercises and updates on current global events, such as the UN 2023 Water Conference and World Water Day 2023. Representatives of the PDA alumni network also attended and presented an action plan for 2023. Read more here   Colombia Former combatants in Mesetas, Meta, remain committed to peace The UN Verification Mission in Colombia accompanied the installation of the Unified Command Post in the former Territorial Space for Training and Reincorporation (TATR) in Mesetas, Meta department, on 29 March. President Gustavo Petro, other officials and former combatants attended the event , where institutional responses were agreed upon regarding the security situation of close to 200 former combatants and their families who had received threats to leave the TATR. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu praised the former combatants’ resilience and the government’s commitment to peace.   Peacebuilding DPPA and UNDP discuss peacebuilding, human rights and development integration On March 31, DPPA and UNDP held an event titled "Rightsizing Peace in the HDP Nexus" with over 200 participants including Member States, civil society, and donors. Participated by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support of DPPA Elizabeth Spehar, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP Crisis Bureau Asako Okai, the panelists discussed strengthening the centrality of peace at the country level and in global frameworks through platforms, such as the Peacebuilding Commission, and integrated planning and funding. Integrating human rights in the nexus, conflict sensitive and data driven analysis, and documenting impact were raised by many as critical. The event also emphasized inclusive solutions at all levels, national leadership, and learning from countries that have successfully implemented peacebuilding and prevention through national institutions.

  Next Week

  The Russian Federation takes over the presidency of the Security Council for April.        Subscribe to This Week in DPPA here Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org

• 31 мар 2023
  Security Council Open Debate on Peace and Security in Africa, Personal Envoy Mirko Manzoni
  *Remarks in Portuguese here
   

  United Nations Security Council Open Debate

  Peace and Security in Africa - development policies and implementation of the Silencing the Guns

  Statement by Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General Mirko Manzoni

  New York, 30 March 2023

  Mr. President;

  Excellencies; and

  Ladies and Gentlemen.

   

  1. Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on efforts to advance the ‘Silencing the guns’ agenda.

   

  2. I am honoured to be able to speak to you today in my capacity as Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Mozambique, a position which I have held for nearly four years, and through which I have accompanied the entire implementation of the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation between the Government of Mozambique and Renamo.

   

  3. My involvement with this process began in 2016, as Swiss Ambassador to Mozambique, when I formed part of a small mediation team, with whom I travelled many times into the bush to talk with both parties, building trust and a relationship that continues to this day.

   

  4. The mediation, signing and implementation of the Maputo Accord has generated hope and inspiration. I see four fundamental reasons for its success: establishing national ownership from the outset, building trust, remaining flexible and ensuring a human-centred process throughout. 

   

  5. Allow me to focus on these reasons, to share progress and reflections on what we can learn when considering the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts and peacebuilding efforts. I'd like to underline that there have also been many challenges to overcome together with the principals - but these are the reasons why that has been possible.

   

  Mr. President,

   

  6. I’ll begin with national ownership. In any context, local and national actors have the best understanding of the nuances of a conflict and so they must lead, and own, their own peace processes. National ownership can act as a catalyst for progress, encouraging greater buy-in from stakeholders and producing more relevant results. The role of international actors is to support.

   

  7. The Government of Mozambique and Renamo retained both ownership and initiative in the establishment of the national peace architecture from the beginning, and both parties gained trust from their equal commitment and respect for each other. With previous failed attempts at peace, this time Mozambique put national efforts at its core. And it is working.

   

  8. Of course, for national actors to take on this ownership, political will must be present. In the Mozambican context, both sides have consistently shown up and taken courageous leaps of faith to prioritise peace for their people.

   

  9. While the core mediation team played an important facilitation role, the Government has championed national solutions to national problems – through listening and creating a culture of dialogue between the Government and Renamo.

   

  10. And to be a truly national process, it must embrace all of the population. As we heard from numerous Member States at this table during Mozambique’s signature event on how to advance the women, peace, and security agenda on 7 March, to exclude women from peace processes is to doom those processes to failure. National ownership means ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women.

   

  11. In Mozambique, the peace process has mainstreamed women’s participation in the negotiations and implementation structures. It has been guided by relevant national and international frameworks on Women, Peace, and Security, including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and Mozambique’s own National Action Plan.

   

   

  Mr. President,

   

  12. We are fully convinced that another reason for Mozambique’s successful peace process has been the fostering of trust between the parties. One early indication of this was the fact that just one month after talks resumed between the two leaders, President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and then Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, a cease-fire was announced.

   

  13. Trust between the parties was further fostered by the implementation of additional partial agreements while negotiations were ongoing - notably, the Constitutional Agreement on decentralisation and the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Affairs were both signed before the peace agreement. This approach of progressive implementation, using confidence-building measures, helped increase trust and gave each Party a sense of purpose and achievement.

   

  14. I commend the mutual trust achieved between the parties and how this has been reflected in the exemplary commitment shown by the national implementing structures to work together to realise all aspects of the agreements.

   

  Mr. President,

   

  15. The third reason behind the success of Mozambique’s peace process is its flexibility. The process has taken a forward-thinking and adaptive approach with targeted investments to embed peace. Any hurdles faced along the way were addressed with direct and open dialogue between the parties and using agile decision-making and action.

   

  16. For example, many activities ground to a halt due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Within one month, President Nyusi and the leader of Renamo met and held extensive consultations, ultimately facilitating the safe resumption of DDR activities in June 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic could have derailed Mozambique’s journey to peace if the necessary flexibility had not been present.

   

  17. We strongly believe that adopting a flexible and agile approach to timelines and activities has also been essential to help ensure that the process continues to reflect the evolving needs of the parties. And from donors and the international community, flexibility has been indispensable. Peace processes are political processes. In any political process there are many moving parts, and there must be space given for setbacks, altered timelines, and changing directions.

   

  Mr. President,

   

  18. It is important to remind ourselves often that peace processes are for people. Maintaining a human-centred approach throughout is not only the right thing to do, but it guarantees the best chance of success. People were placed at the heart of the DDR process in Mozambique by senitising DDR beneficiaries at all stages, ensuring gender-sensitive disarmament and demobilisation, and prioritising conflict-sensitive reintegration opportunities.

   

  19. This has directly impacted the advancement of the process as those involved have felt listened to and their needs prioritised. By involving everyone, we are giving peace a better chance of success.

   

  20. Putting people first pays off in peace dividends. As a key element of the peace initiative, the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) process has seen more than 4,800 DDR beneficiaries settle in communities of their choice to begin their reintegration journey with community members welcoming home these women and men.

   

  21. Progress in inclusive local development has been crucial to embedding peace in communities. For that, DDR programmes must also take a longer-term view, rather than being seen as a technical and time-limited process. The Mozambican process tackles long-standing issues such as pensions for the demobilised and introduces innovative strategies to spur the involvement of a broad range of actors, including the private sector, to embed the long-term sustainability of peace.

   

  22. I would like to take the opportunity to applaud the courage and wisdom of the Government in pursuing a pragmatic solution to pensions. The recent passing of a decree extending pensions to those demobilised is a historic moment, solving not only outstanding issues from the past but also investing in the sustainability of the current peace process and setting an example of reconciliation for the rest of the world.

   

  23. Including demobilised combatants in the national pensions system is crucial for the sustainability of the peace process. It is also an important step for national reconciliation, providing the DDR beneficiaries with a sense of dignity and recognition for their service following their demobilisation.

   

  24. Additionally, the reconciliation process has taken a long-term comprehensive approach and seeks to integrate peace education into the fabric of Mozambican society. Every individual has a role to play in consolidating and sustaining peace.

   

  Mr. President,

   

  25. Combined, national ownership, trust, flexibility and a human-centered approach, have created a commitment to continuity, patience and follow-through, resulting in sustained implementation from the parties, implementers, DDR beneficiaries, Mozambican society and the international community at large.

   

  26. I believe this has been possible due to Mozambique’s unique case where the same people who were involved in the negotiations are the ones involved in implementation. This provides continuity to the process and builds on years of hard work building trust with the parties by encouraging and facilitating discreet dialogue. Silencing the guns and embracing dialogue is becoming a Mozambican way of doing things, and this is essential for lasting peace.

   

  27. Almost four years into its implementation, the Maputo Accord for Peace and National Reconciliation is setting down ever deeper roots. The peace process demonstrates the commitment of the country's leaders to dialogue as the only sustainable path to peace.

   

  28. In the Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique is also applying a model of building peace and security through dynamic regional and local solutions, seeking to make use of inter-African interventions to resolve challenges on the continent.

   

  29. By tapping into the enormous potential offered by regional organisations and partners, Mozambique has built a framework for concerted action, where coordination among actors involved in conflict prevention and peacebuilding has been essential. Not only do these actors know the conflict dynamics well, but they are often also directly impacted as threats become increasingly transnational.

   

  Mr. President,

   

  30. In closing, let me stress that the success of a peace process should not be measured by the difficulties it encounters; rather, it should be judged on the basis of how those involved choose to overcome such difficulties. While there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to building peace, I think collectively we have identified some basic building blocks that will be relevant and applicable to other contexts.

   

  31. I commend the President of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the former leader of Renamo Afonso Dhlakama and current leader Ossufo Momade, for believing in peace and for listening to the voices of millions of Mozambicans who have wanted peace for so long.

   

  32. I remain deeply grateful for the continuous support I receive from both parties, from the United Nations Secretary-General and the international community. Such support has been critical.

   

  33. I look forward to continued partnership to support Mozambicans in their endeavor to build a better future and a lasting peace.

   

  Thank you very much, Mr. President.

   

   

   

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